Patient/Family Teaching

• Emphasize the importance of taking etravirine as directed, at the same time each day. It must always be used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Do not take more than prescribed amount and do not stop taking without consulting health care professional. Take missed doses following a meal if remembered within 6 hrs of the time its usually taken, then return to regular schedule. If more than 6 hrs from time dose is usually taken, omit dose and resume dosing schedule; do not double doses

• Instruct patient that etravirine should not be shared with others

• Inform patient that etravirine does not cure AIDS or prevent associated or opportunistic infections. Etravirine does not reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Caution patient to use a condom and to avoid sharing needles or donating blood to prevent spreading the AIDS virus to others. Advise patient that the long-term effects of etravirine are unknown at this time

• May cause dizziness, impaired concentration, or drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional immediately if rash or signs of Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (signs and symptoms of an infection) occur.

• Advise patient to avoid taking other Rx, OTC, vitamins, or herbal products, especially St. John's Wort, without consulting health care professional

• Inform patient that changes in body fat (increased fat in upper back and neck, breast, and around back, chest, and stomach area, loss of fat from legs, arms, and face) may occur

• Advise patients taking oral contraceptives to use a nonhormonal method of birth control during etravirine therapy and to notify health care professional if they become pregnant or plan to breastfeed while taking etravirine

• Emphasize the importance of regular follow-up exams and blood counts to determine progress and monitor for side effects

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